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Valley of the Sun: Golf Capital of the American Southwest

The Valley of the Sun -- made up of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa and a slew of other rapidly growing cities -- is the golf capital of the American Southwest. With close to 200 courses, the Valley can make a legitimate claim to being the most golf-rich region in the United States. Each year millions of golfers from sun-starved winter climates make their way to this sun-splashed golfing pantheon to test their mettle on desert courses that yield more lost balls than birdies.

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Scottsdale is at the epicenter of the Valley's golf map, and traveling golfers will be delighted to find one of the most impressive arrays of high-end daily fee and resort courses in the world. Troon North, Grayhawk, Wildfire, Kierland and the Boulders provide championship golf and luxury accommodations, while properties like We-Ko-Pa, Sun Ridge Canyon and Eagle Mountain stand alone as must-play courses.

To the south and west, Phoenix is home to some of Arizona's most venerable, traditional resorts, including the Camelback Inn and the Arizona Biltmore. Golfers on a budget will also find a solid (and surprisingly challenging) lineup of municipal tracks. The Aguila Golf Course in south Phoenix is designed by renowned Arizona architect Gary Panks, and Superstition Springs Golf Club (Mesa) is popular with the locals.

The West Valley, including the cities of Glendale, Peoria and Goodyear, is home to an admirable collection of quality layouts that don't receive nearly the press as their eastern cousins. Notable designers include Jack Nicklaus II (Estrella Mountain Ranch), Hale Irwin (Palm Valley) and Robert Trent Jones Sr. (Wigwam Resort) and Jr. (Dove Valley Ranch). Golfers still can find a round for under $50 in the West Valley, even in the peak winter season.

The East Valley also serves up some quality golf on the cheap, albeit slightly more publicized. In terms of population, the city of Mesa has quietly crept up to the 43rd largest city in America at 400,000 strong, and Chandler isn’t far behind. Facilities like Ocotillo, Las Sendas and Gold Canyon have put upscale golf on the East Valley map to stay.

Scottsdale, Phoenix, East Valley and West -- whatever your druthers, an amazing golf adventure awaits. A little suntan lotion, a good golf cap and an appreciation for incredible golf course architecture are all you need to have a memorable golf vacation it out in the desert.

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Scottsdale (Fountain Hills, Carefree and Cave Creek)

East Valley (Mesa, Chandler, Apache Junction)

West Valley (Glendale, Peoria, Goodyear)